Ice skating, holiday shopping, carriage rides, and family activities highlight the week-long celebration at the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center.

OTTUMWA, Iowa, November 9, 2026 – Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress (GOPIP) is excited to announce the return of Ottumwa WinterFest, taking place December 7–13, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center, located at 103 Church Street in Ottumwa.

Following its inaugural year in 2025, Ottumwa WinterFest returns with a full week of seasonal activities designed to bring families, friends, and neighbors together while celebrating the holidays and supporting the local community.

At the heart of Ottumwa WinterFest is an ice skating rink, open throughout the week, offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to enjoy a classic winter activity. Holiday lights and decorations will help transform the Sports Center into a festive destination, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the entire community.

"We're excited to bring Ottumwa WinterFest back for another year and continue building a holiday tradition that our community can look forward to," said Marc Roe, Executive Director of Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress. "Our goal is to create an experience where families can make memories, local businesses can connect with customers, and people from across southeast Iowa can come together to celebrate the season."

The celebration will feature extended hours on Friday and throughout the weekend, giving visitors additional opportunities to enjoy the festivities.

A highlight of the weekend will be the Ottumwa WinterFest Vendor Market, featuring local artisans, small businesses, and other vendors offering a variety of products and holiday gift ideas. The market will be open Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 13, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Visitors can also enjoy festive carriage rides around the Sports Center grounds on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Additional activities and attractions are being planned throughout the week, with details to be announced as the event approaches.

2026 Ottumwa WinterFest Hours:

Monday, December 7 – Thursday, December 10: 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Friday, December 11: 2–11 p.m.

Saturday, December 12: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sunday, December 13: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

The ice skating rink will operate during the festival's public hours, while individual activities and attractions may have separate schedules.

Ottumwa WinterFest is made possible through the support of local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who share a commitment to providing memorable experiences for Ottumwa residents and visitors.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting Ottumwa WinterFest through sponsorships, vendor participation, or volunteering are encouraged to explore the opportunities available on the event's website.

For complete event hours, admission information, and the latest announcements about activities and attractions, visit www.ottumwawinterfest.com. The website also includes information about sponsorship, vendor, and volunteer opportunities.